Can Gen Z Truly Opt Out of Capitalism?

It’s no secret that millennials and Gen Zers are displeased with capitalism and the hustle culture that feeds it. Many polls and reports have charted the generations’ disillusionment with — and attempts to move away from — America’s economic system. That’s why we’ve seen trends like “#lazygirljobs,” “quiet quitting” or “bare minimum Mondays” take off over the years. Even “no buy 2025,” which trended on social media at the start of the year, can be viewed as a backlash to consumerism fueled by a capitalist society.

But can those who get the “the ick” — to borrow Gen Z slang — from participating in a capitalist society truly opt out? Idealists may not like the answer, but the only way to truly flout capitalism is to first achieve financial freedom by engaging with, yes, capitalism. The most significant reason is the issue of retirement.